The less glamorous players provide the balance that allow us to play better both ways. They shield the defence and they provide a platform for more creative players to build on. A midfield of Levitt, Williams and JFC failed spectacularly because they weren't smart enough on the pitch to know how to support each other, not just because it was windy. It's no surprise that we took control of the game once Pratley came on, because he freed up the players around him. I'd like to see us get to the point where we play only one of them, mostly because surely one of them has to run out of puff before the season ends, they're hundreds of years old each, but I'm ok with us starting with both while the team gels
But we barely took control of the game! It was still a complete nonsense of a match, but we capitalised on a set-piece and scored a breakaway that had nothing to do with anyone other than Amos and Doughty. I agree that Williams and JFC had little idea how to find space in that formation (and I don't blame Levitt much at all), and that Pratley's introduction saw a definite improvement in JFC above all, but we absolutely didn't 'take control'. It was still horrible.
As I have said in the match preview thread, we have to get used to seeing Pratley and Watson together until others are up to speed and Gilbey is back.
You might not like it, but it’s about being solid, giving the defence a bit of protection, and ensuring we have enough leaders and continuity on the pitch.
We have more than enough to bring off the bench and change the game.
Saturday’s team will be ‘stronger’ looking.
Playing devils advocate a bit Sage, could you argue that if our back five really is potentially the strongest in the division, we shouldn’t really need to sacrifice two positions in front to protect them?
The less glamorous players provide the balance that allow us to play better both ways. They shield the defence and they provide a platform for more creative players to build on.
It's like having 2 Kishishevs in the side.
All we're lacking is a Darren Bent and a Sp*tty Parker.
The less glamorous players provide the balance that allow us to play better both ways. They shield the defence and they provide a platform for more creative players to build on. A midfield of Levitt, Williams and JFC failed spectacularly because they weren't smart enough on the pitch to know how to support each other, not just because it was windy. It's no surprise that we took control of the game once Pratley came on, because he freed up the players around him. I'd like to see us get to the point where we play only one of them, mostly because surely one of them has to run out of puff before the season ends, they're hundreds of years old each, but I'm ok with us starting with both while the team gels
But we barely took control of the game! It was still a complete nonsense of a match, but we capitalised on a set-piece and scored a breakaway that had nothing to do with anyone other than Amos and Doughty. I agree that Williams and JFC had little idea how to find space in that formation (and I don't blame Levitt much at all), and that Pratley's introduction saw a definite improvement in JFC above all, but we absolutely didn't 'take control'. It was still horrible.
Who ever said it wasn't horrible? We took control because we scored ten minutes into the second half, restricted their chances completely, should have scored again through Smyth and then finished them off, all in a match where conditions weren't suited to brilliant flowing football. That's control. This is a League One team who only put their squad together a couple of weeks ago; you're not going to get free-flowing football here. I think there's some Champions League on tonight though
Bowyer always throws up 1 selection that no one predicts.
Playing all 3 "strikers" is a bit of a risk isn't it? Not so much for tonight but he will need at least 1 of them, if not 2, to start Saturday.
I am a bit surprised that Bowyer hasnt gone down the lions route with the front 6. He can't have much time on the training padlock so combinations are going to be a problem.
Why not at least try and get the same front 6 together on a Saturday and a different 1 midweek. He has got the players to at least try.
The less glamorous players provide the balance that allow us to play better both ways. They shield the defence and they provide a platform for more creative players to build on. A midfield of Levitt, Williams and JFC failed spectacularly because they weren't smart enough on the pitch to know how to support each other, not just because it was windy. It's no surprise that we took control of the game once Pratley came on, because he freed up the players around him. I'd like to see us get to the point where we play only one of them, mostly because surely one of them has to run out of puff before the season ends, they're hundreds of years old each, but I'm ok with us starting with both while the team gels
But we barely took control of the game! It was still a complete nonsense of a match, but we capitalised on a set-piece and scored a breakaway that had nothing to do with anyone other than Amos and Doughty. I agree that Williams and JFC had little idea how to find space in that formation (and I don't blame Levitt much at all), and that Pratley's introduction saw a definite improvement in JFC above all, but we absolutely didn't 'take control'. It was still horrible.
I agree. When we scored (from a corner) Northampton went 2 up front. Then the midfield looked completely different. But that new look, spacious midfield is being credited to Pratley 'allowing others to play', and not to the goal which took their extra man out of the middle.
Feel a bit sorry for Leuth after Pratley coming on and scoring, almost spoiled his weekend. What if Pratley and Watson score a couple each tonight and we win. He'll go into orbit. I like L.B. selection, agree with sage, keep it tight until we (hopefully) have a full squad to choose from.
Also, Northampton did have at least two chances I can think of! Someone fired into the side-netting after a corner and someone else blazed a decent chance over under pressure. Also, apart from the Doughty breakaway, all our chances were from set-pieces. We generated one thing from open play the whole game, and even that required a defender to blast one in for us
Feel a bit sorry for Leuth after Pratley coming on and scoring, almost spoiled his weekend. What if Pratley and Watson score a couple each tonight and we win. He'll go into orbit. I like L.B. selection, agree with sage, keep it tight until we (hopefully) have a full squad to choose from.
If Pratley and Watson score a combined total of more than 2 (i.e. 3+) then I can't even say what sort of forfeit I'd accept
Also, Northampton did have at least two chances I can think of! Someone fired into the side-netting after a corner and someone else blazed a decent chance over under pressure. Also, apart from the Doughty breakaway, all our chances were from set-pieces. We generated one thing from open play the whole game, and even that required a defender to blast one in for us
Don't worry, Leuth. Watson will play a Hollywood ball (from our D) straight into Smyth's path.
Smyth will cut the ball back ... and there's Pratley.
Comments
I don't think we've been in a situation whereby nobody on CL manages to predict our starting 11. Worth a new thread as a contest.
Smyth will play wide, and Maatsen and Gunter (to some extent) will push forward in the wide positions.
I have a hat ready to eat if this is wrong.
All we're lacking is a Darren Bent and a Sp*tty Parker.
Playing all 3 "strikers" is a bit of a risk isn't it? Not so much for tonight but he will need at least 1 of them, if not 2, to start Saturday.
I am a bit surprised that Bowyer hasnt gone down the lions route with the front 6. He can't have much time on the training padlock so combinations are going to be a problem.
Why not at least try and get the same front 6 together on a Saturday and a different 1 midweek. He has got the players to at least try.
We will need him at Pompey.
What if Pratley and Watson score a couple each tonight and we win.
He'll go into orbit.
I like L.B. selection, agree with sage, keep it tight until we (hopefully) have a full squad to choose from.
Smyth will cut the ball back ... and there's Pratley.
I have a second hat at the ready.
He's the lad who became the first English player since Lineker to represent Barcelona